Courses
Current Courses
School of Management
MGT 820b: Energy Markets Strategy
In the past 30 years, energy markets have changed from quiet, often heavily regulated, areas of the business landscape to the some of most dynamic markets in the world economy. Regulation of oil, natural gas, motor fuel, and electricity markets has been reduced dramatically in the U.S. and in many other countries. Drawing on the tools of economics, we study the business and public policy issues that these changes have raised. Topics include the political economy of deregulation, competition in wholesale electricity markets, market power and antitrust, and the transportation of energy commodities. We examine the economic determinants of industry structure and evolution of competition among firms in these industries, investigate successful and unsuccessful strategies for entering new markets and competing in existing markets, and analyze the rationale for and effects of public policies in energy markets.
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Last taught in Spring-2 (Mid-March to May) 2006
Next taught in Spring 2007
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School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
F&ES 80106b [cross-listed as MGT 622b]: Energy Economics and the Environment
This advanced economics course examines energy issues as they pertain to the environment. The course begins with an overview of energy markets and an introduction to the economics of extracting nonrenewable resources. In the second section, the class looks into the environmental implications associated with energy and methods regulators use to correct for these market failures. In particular, we examine the economics of air pollution and climate change. The next part of the course covers investment in renewables. We discuss what regulations have been used to encourage investment and examine their effectiveness. The final section includes lectures on the economics of transportation (e.g., CAFE standards), and of energy conservation (e.g., DSM programs). Each week, the lecture covers the economics behind a particular energy issue and then is followed by a class discussion about a related case study or article. This course places an emphasis on economics methodology and is intended for students with some economics background. Enrollment is capped at 25 students.
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Last taught in Spring 2005
Next taught in Spring 2007
Independent Study
F&ES 1300: Independent Project in Environmental or Energy Economics
A student may conduct a rigorous, independent study on a topic of environmental economics or energy economics that is not already covered in some FES course.
F&ES 2300: Master’s Project in Environmental or Energy Economics
In fulfillment of a Master of Environmental Management (M.E.M.) or Master of Environmental Science (M.E.Sc.) degree, an F&ES student may conduct a rigorous, independent study on a topic of environmental economics or energy economics. The project will require substantial work, consistent with a full credit class.
Other Courses Taught
School of Management
MGT 520a: Economic Analysis
This course concentrates on the role of markets in determining the opportunities facing individuals and business firms, and explores the use of economic principles in decisions made by organizations in the economy. Topics include analysis of competitive markets and noncompetitive markets, firm behavior and competitive strategy, and problems of microeconomic policy design affecting all sectors. The course is intended to be at a level accessible to students with little or no prior exposure to economics, but covers material that is more managerial in nature than traditional economics courses.
Syllabus | Course Web Site                    Â
Last taught in Fall 2005
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
F&ES 733b: Economics of Pollution
This course is designed to teach students how to think about managing pollution. It explains why market economies produce pollution and why regulations are needed. Social solutions to the problem are explored, and students learn how to analyze the effectiveness of control alternatives and policies. Specific examples are discussed, including air and water pollution, acid rain, global warming, hazardous waste, and human waste.
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Last taught in Spring 2006
Next taught in Spring 2009
